What is a thinline guitar? Is thinline a universal term or specific to a certain model of guitar, like a Telecaster? Can thinline guitars be acoustic and electric? A thinline guitar can refer to an electric or an acoustic guitar with considerable design changes. Regardless of the model, thinline guitar usually use less wood in the building process than regular electric or acoustic guitar.
What is a Thinline electric guitar
A thinline electric guitar, is a guitar that is the typical body shape of an electric, but is hollow, or semi hollow on the inside.
One of the most common examples of a thinline electric guitar is the Fender Telecaster Thinline, with an F hole.
However, Telecasters are not the only, or even the first electric guitars to use this style of build.
Typically electric thinline guitars are either entirely hollow, or or have a solid block running through the middle of the body to support the pickups and bridge hardware.
Semi-hollow body Vs thinline electric guitar
Semi-hollow body guitars could also be considered thinline guitars.
While there might be small differences between models, the general rule of thumb would be that these names for body style are interchangeable.
Semi-hollow body vs thinline is likely just depends on which term the manufacturer uses to describe their model of guitar.
Neither one would have major difference that would be distinguished by using one term over another.
Thinline telecaster vs regular
Rumor has it that the reason Fender came out with the thinline Telecasters is due to a mid-century Ash wood shortage.
Therefore, they produced a model of guitar that used less material, and therefore cheaper to make.
That story is as old as time, and I’m not sure if I believe it.
I think they just wanted to try their hand at a new style.
While it does use less material than solid body telecasters, a thinline Telecaster is much more effort and work to shape the body.
So cost savings on material would be quickly eaten up by the luthier having to perform more work.
People also like to discuss the differences in sound between thinline telecaster and their tradition style of body.
While many people claim that the F hole style of the thinline makes for a more twangy and blues tone, I don’t buy it.
I’m a big Tele fan, and have played many Teles, including a few thinlines.
The thinlines have no more bluesy feel or tone to them than the standard Telecasters, but maybe I’m just uncultured.
What is a thinline acoustic guitar
A thinline acoustic guitar is quite different from a thinline electric.
Thinline acoustic guitar are typically the same design shape and size as a regular acoustic, but with a thinner body.
The body of a thinline acoustic guitar will be smaller profile and will be closer to an electric guitar in width, than a regular acoustic.
This is a moderate savings in material, and usually just makes for a lower profile for the guitar.
There is not too much tonal difference between thinline acoustic guitars, and the regular counterparts, however, thinlines will not play as loudly.
How thick are Thinline guitars
While thickness depends on the model of guitar, Acoustic thinline guitars are often 40-60% of the width of a regular acoustic guitar.
Electric thinline guitars are usually no thinner than regular electrics, they simply have hollow sections in the body.
Are Thinline guitars any good
Thinline guitars aren’t really better or worse than regular styles of guitars.
They are smaller profile and lighter in weight, and quieter.
There is no major tonal differences, typically, however this depends on the model of guitar.
Many major brands of guitars have a thinline model, and it is hard to say it’s better or worse.
If you like the idea of thinline guitars, try one out and see how it plays for you.
If you’re wondering what are thinline guitars, I’d recommend just sitting down to play one and see if it’s good for you.
If a thinline works and is good for your style, then yes, a thinline guitar is good.
